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Cancer Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Medical Assistant

Roseville, MI · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

In addition to caring physicians, we have a full range of support staff available to assist you and ... Our medical staff have close ties to prominent hospitals and ongoing cancer research, and we bring ...

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Cancer Research Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$28

$66

How much do cancer research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cancer research assistant in Michigan is $28.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.83 and $32.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cancer research assistant do?

A Cancer Research Assistant supports scientific studies focused on understanding, preventing, and treating cancer. They assist with laboratory experiments, data analysis, literature reviews, and administrative tasks. Their responsibilities may include handling biological samples, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting research findings. They work closely with researchers and healthcare professionals to contribute to advancements in cancer treatment and therapies.

What does a typical day look like for a cancer research assistant?

A typical day for a Cancer Research Assistant often includes preparing and conducting laboratory experiments, recording and analyzing data, and maintaining lab equipment and inventory. You may also assist in the preparation of reports, contribute to scientific publications, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration with research scientists, clinicians, and other lab staff is common, as projects often require teamwork and interdisciplinary input. This dynamic environment offers the opportunity to learn new techniques and directly contribute to ongoing cancer research efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the cancer research assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cancer Research Assistant, you need a background in biology or a related field, with experience in laboratory techniques and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), statistical software, and compliance protocols such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is highly beneficial. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are important soft skills for this position. These skills enable accurate experimentation, reliable results, and seamless teamwork in advancing cancer research projects.

Do cancer research assistants get paid a lot?

Cancer research assistants typically earn a moderate salary that varies based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may pay around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, with higher salaries for those with advanced degrees or specialized skills. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and opportunities for professional development.

What degree do I need to work in cancer research?

A cancer research assistant typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D., along with laboratory skills and experience in research methods.

What qualifications do I need to be a cancer research assistant?

A cancer research assistant typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with research protocols; some positions may require prior research experience or certification in laboratory safety. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a team are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cancer Research jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Cancer Research jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Cancer Research Assistant jobs in Michigan?

For Cancer Research Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cancer Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Cancer Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cancer Research Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,633 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Research Assistant - Department of Oncology

Detroit, MI • On-site


Wayne State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$19 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Research Assistant - Department of Oncology
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant - Department of Oncology at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.
Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.
Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.
Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Unique duties:
Perform statistical and/or bioinformatics analysis and prepare reports based on plans devised by faculty members. - Assist in preparing manuscripts and abstracts, as well as proofreading accepted manuscripts prior to publication. - Stay up-to-date with statistical/bioinformatics and programming methodologies relevant to cancer research. - Implement assignments with excellence and work collaboratively with staff and faculty. - Compile information from clinical studies and report to ClinicalTrials.gov. - If required, participate in biostatistics/ bioinformatics educational activities related to cancer research for investigators, fellows, residents, and graduate students.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree
Bachelor'sdegree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge predominantlyintellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by aprolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.
Experience: Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)
Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with humansubjects, preferred.
Knowledge,Skills and Abilities:
Abilityto work independently. Ability toanalyze, summarize and interpret research findings and data in reports and spreadsheetsand communicate results. Knowledgeof scientific integrity principles. Excellent timemanagement and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills anddemonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.
Preferred qualifications:
- Master's degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, Biomedical Informatics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, or closely related discipline preferred. - At least 2 years of work experience with R programming, demonstrating excellent proficiency. Any work experience gained during the completion of an MS/PhD degree will be considered as part of this requirement. Statistical and/or bioinformatics work experience in collaborative medical research highly desirable.The candidate must be able to support cancer research across a wide range of biostatistical/bioinformatics domains, provide methodological guidance as needed, and assist with requests received through the Core. A strong desire to learn new statistical/bioinformatics methods is highly expected, given the evolving analytical needs of cancer research. Experience with causal inference, particularly using structural equation modeling, is considered a plus.
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary department:
H0632 - Oncology
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum:
  • Salary hire maximum:
Working conditions:
Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.


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